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Browsing Archive: January, 2010

Iced In

Posted by Holly Nelson on Sunday, January 31, 2010, In : Just Because I said....

The Memphis area got a winter storm Friday. It iced then snowed, then iced again. I have to admit I was skeptical. The kids were elated to be out of school, and I was glad to have them home. It was too wet to have a great time playing in it Friday, yet some boys still ventured out. But the best day was Saturday! We played all day long. We came in for Lunch , and to wake daddy. (He was still sleeping around noon!! He works really hard, so I'll let it slide...ha! get it?) Anyway, he was able to...
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Weekly Menu Jan 31- Feb 6

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 29, 2010, In : Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts:(served with milk, choc.milk, hot tea, coffee)
S(31)~ banana bread (class brunch)
M(1)~ egg & toast
T(2)~ cereal
W(3)~ brown sugar oatmeal
T(4)~ PB toast/ sausage biscuits
F(5)~ cereal
S(6)~ cereal/pancakes

Lunches :
~ turkey and ham club, nutella, PB & J
~ goldfish, chips,
~ pudding, jell-o
~ oranges, apples, bananas
~ carrots, celery

Dinners:(most served with salad and bread)
S(31)~ Family dinner- taking brownies
M(1)~ roast chicken, carrots , rice, salad
T(2)~ spaghetti, salad, bread
W(3)~ chi...
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Grocery Cart $86.59

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 29, 2010, In : Grocery Cart Challenge Friday

Yea, I made my goal to be between $75-$100.00 a week!! ~ $ 86.59
Here is the total that I spent for the month ~ $503.36- This total is from 5 weeks of groceries. Jan. 1st until now.I'm not sure how that worked out. If you count this last trip for February the total is $416.83

Aldi:

gum $.79
chicken thighs $5.99
snack cracker sticks $ .99
ehole chicken $3.89
cereal $1.89
cereal $1.49
cereal $1.19
cereal $1.89
graham crackers $1.39
bacon $1.99
bacon $1.99
popcorn $1.49
toilet paper $ .89
oranges $1.39
apples...
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My Little Dirtbikers

Posted by Holly Nelson on Thursday, January 28, 2010, In : It's a BOYS Life!

In yesterdays Valentine's post I mentioned how my kids are obsessed with dirt biking. I thought I'd share a little bit about that. Ump-teen years ago when I met my husband, he had a broken leg from a hair-scramble(trail race through the woods) accident. Little did I know that years later we would have boys involved in t he same sport that caused him to break his leg! When we had our first son, he was as wild as a boy could be. He was very active, did not watch any cartoons or any TV really. T...
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♥ Valentine's Day♥ with Kids

Posted by Holly Nelson on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, In : Tip of the Week

♥Next week I will post and add to the Valentine page ~ ♥Valentine's Day♥ for Couples

For some Valentines' Days is just another day. To me, it's an extra special day to show those I love how much they mean to me. We shower the kids with love everyday, but make it extra special on this day. I teach the kids how they can show their love to others, also. I don't get into the commercialism of the holiday, the dozen roses, box of chocolates, and cards galore. I teach the boys creative ways to ...
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Tex-Mex Soup

Posted by Holly Nelson on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, In : Tummy Yummy Recipe of the Week

You can use canned ingredients or use frozen or homemade canned from your garden. As you can see in my diverse selection, I do not favor just one store or brand. I treat all of them equal~

I have the Pampered Chef professional pan. It's very large. And it's also my most favorite pan, ever! There may be a better one out there. But I don't own that one, yet. So, until then...... I sautee'd the onion on one side while I browned the ground turkey on the other.

Then added all the canned ingredients...

Area Cleaning- Jan 25-29- Laundry/Office

Posted by Holly Nelson on Monday, January 25, 2010, In : Area Cleaning for the Week

15 Minutes is all it takes to bless your home!

Do these little chores everyday to eliminate or lessen your "spring cleaning".
Have your children do these chores for their rooms or spaces, also.

Laundry/Office
M~ clear clutter from the tops of the washer, dryer, and office desk.
T~ clean the surface of the washer, dryer, and office desk.
W~ take out trash in laundry and office
T~ sort socks, file papers
F~ detail sweep, vacuum, mop
* When you are done cleaning on Friday, add a candle or fresh flowers...
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Menu Plan ~Jan 24-30

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 22, 2010, In : Weekly Menu Plan

I have changed this Friday and Saturdays menu:
Friday (22)- Chicken sandwich(The Pioneer Woman's recipe)
Saturday (23)- breakfast for dinner : waffles with blueberry syrup, buttered rice, eggs, biscuits and gravy

Next Week:
Breakfasts:(served with hot tea, coffee, milk, choc. milk, oj)
S(24)~ cinnamon rolls
M(25)~ bacon and egg sandwiches
T(26)~ banana bread
W(27)~ cinnamon apple oatmeal
T(28)~ muffins
F(29)~ pancakes
S(30)~ pancakes

Lunches:
~ turkey, ham, egg salad, PB, nutella
~ goldfish
~ pudding
~ ce...
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Grocery Cart $109.10

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 22, 2010, In : Grocery Cart Challenge Friday

Okay, I went over my challenge again this week!! Well, we ran out of food by Wednesday , and my boys were NOT happy!! So, I bought a few extra items for lunches,dinners, and things I can make for snacks.

Aldi:

(*eggs and bread are in the bag)
hoagie rolls $1.69
bread $.79
bread $.79
snack bags $1.95
gallon baggies $1.95
chicken breasts $6.29
Spag sauce $1.09 (* I have no idea how this got in my cart!! ?)
potatoes $2.49
salmon $3.99
TP $2.29
carrots $.99
bananas $.92
oranges $1.39
green beans $.49
apples $2.2...
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French Onion Round Steak

Posted by Holly Nelson on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, In : Tummy Yummy Recipe of the Week

package of round steaks(I actually made 2 huge packages, layered)

1/2 C (plus more)Lea & Perrins worcesterhire

butter

onion, sliced

1 Tbsp garlic

french onion soup mix

2C water

salt and pepper

1. Heat oven 375 or start crockpot. Grease 13x9 pan or crockpot with cooking spray.
2. Marinate round steaks for 30 minutes in Lea & Perrins, 1/2 C.
3. Add water and soup mix to pan/crockpot.
4. Add round steak.
5. Top with onion slices, butter and garlic, salt and pepper
6. Add a few more splashes of Lea & Perrins...
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Bedrooms and Baths

Posted by Holly Nelson on Monday, January 18, 2010, In : Area Cleaning for the Week

Remember, 15 minutes is all it takes to bless your home!

*Have your children do these chores in their rooms,also.*

Bedrooms and Baths ~ Jan 18-23
M(18)~ clear clutter(clothes, trash. things that don't belong in your "hot spots**")
T(19)~ clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
W(20)~ clean and polish furniture(BR)/ clean counters or vanity(bathrooms)
T(21)~sweep, vacuum, mop
F(22)~ add decorative touch- flowers or a candle, take a relaxing bubble bath!

**"Hot Spots"- spots in your home that have the m...
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Weekly Menu Jan 17-23

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 15, 2010, In : Weekly Menu Plan

BREAKFASTS:(served with fruit, hot tea, coffee, oj)
S(17) ~ banana and blueberry muffins
M(18)~ eggs, toast
T(19)~ cereal
W(20)~ blueberry oatmeal
T(21)~ PB toast & blueberry and granola parfaits
F(22)~ pancakes
S(23)~ cereal

LUNCHES:
~ turkey club, tuna, egg salad, PB, polish sausage, hot dogs
~ goldfish, chips
~ pudding( choc. or banana cream)
~ apples or oranges

DINNERS:(served with salad and bread)
S(17)~ pinto beans and ham, cornbread, broccoli
M(18)~ cowboy chowder with cornbread
T(19)~ chicken fried...
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Grocery Cart $145.36

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 15, 2010, In : Grocery Cart Challenge Friday

Okay, I went over my challenge I gave to myself for this new year. I'm not too happy about it, but I was able to buy some things at the request of my family. So, they are happy. Plus the dog food and diapers alone is about $20.00. Wow!

Kroger:

rice $1.75
blueberry pancake mix $2.49
Grands biscuits (6) $6.00
Crescents (7) $7.00
Cinn. Rolls (4) $4.00
pizza crusts(2) $5.98
gum $1.49
buns (2) $1.76
Store sale savings $10.76
Coupon savings $ 8.30
TOTAL SAVINGS $19.03 (46%)
TOTAL $24.23

Walmart

donuts $1.16
bread ...
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It won't be like this for long....

Posted by Holly Nelson on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, In : It's a BOYS Life!

I think of that country song a lot.."It won't be like this for long. Some day you'll look back laughing at the week we brought her home. Time is gonna fly by, so just hold on. It won't be like this for long." We have another sweet little boy coming in April. It's been a while since we've had a "baby" in the house. I have been looking back on the last few years since our last baby has been born. They grow up too fast! I know you hear it all the time. You say it all the time. And it really is t...
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Do you Know what "Time" it is?

Posted by Holly Nelson on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, In : Tip of the Week

Do you know what "time" it is? It's just "Ordinary Time". If you have a Christian calendar, you will see it lays out what Christian events are going on throughout the year. The time between special holidays is called "Ordinary Time". We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving and then our Lord and Savior's birth at Christmas, but what now? You'll want to say, "Nothing, today is just an ordinary day." But really it isn't. Right now is to focus on our growth in Christ. We have special colors tha...
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Janie's Brussel Sprouts

Posted by Holly Nelson on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, In : Tummy Yummy Recipe of the Week

Okay, I know a few people have an aversion to brussel sprouts. But, this recipe is really good. Honestly, I had never in my life tried brussel sprouts until my friend Janie brought these to a ladies Christmas dinner. I have to say , they tasted nothing like everyone "warned" me about. Try this recipe, you will not be dissappointed!!

Janie's Brussel Spouts

1 pkg frozen Brussels sprouts (steam in microwave according to instructions and then cut sprouts in half)

Simmer together:
1 can chicken broth
1...
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Area Cleaning- Entrance(porch, foyer) and Living Room(family room)

Posted by Holly Nelson on Monday, January 11, 2010, In : Area Cleaning for the Week

Jan 11-15
M~ sweep step and porch/ clear away clutter
T~ clean and dust tables, chairs
W~ clean ceiling fans
T~ organize coat closet
F~ sweep, vacuum, mop/ add a candle for a decorative sweet, smelling touch!
(Walmarts "warm apple pie" smells great!!!)

15 Minutes is all it takes to bless your home everyday!

(Today, Monday, is also the day I do my Home Blessings)

Menu Plan Jan 10-16

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 8, 2010, In : Weekly Menu Plan

I know I have already posted my menu plan for the month but I will still post my menu plan with more details for breakfasts and lunches.

Breakfasts:(served with milk, OJ, hot tea, fruit)
S(10) ~ Cinnamon rolls
M(11)~ eggs, toast
T(12) ~ pancakes
W(13)~ apple cinnamon oatmeal
T(14)~ PB toast
F(15)~ pancakes
S(16)~ cereal/ eggs

Lunches :
~ egg salad, tuna, turkey club, PB, leftovers, Ramen
~ goldfish, chips
~ yogurt
~ orange, apple
~ homemade cookies

Dinners:(most served with Salad)
S(10)~ roast, ...
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Grocery Cart ~ $63.80

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 8, 2010, In : Grocery Cart Challenge Friday

This year our budget has changed. It was $150.00 for a week for our family of 7. In April we will have a new baby and we will have a family of 8! I cannot wait. But that does mean our groceries will increase. If I'm not able to breast feed then I will have to buy formula. Anyone have a great formula they liked that was cheap? I'm preparing. Back to the budget issue. Our plan this year is to spend $400.00 or much less a month in groceries. I'm challenging myself to plan meals better to get the...
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Snow Day!

Posted by Holly Nelson on Thursday, January 7, 2010, In : It's a BOYS Life!

Snow dusts our ground this morning. I love snow and wanted lots of snow to play in with the kids. I looked out of the window with anticipation, but it was only a dusting. My country roads seem fine, when usually they aren't in snow. I was up having my prayer time and reading this morning at 5:30 when my cell phone rang. My first thought was , "why in the world is my mom calling this early!". But it was the school board saying the kids were out of school. Yoo-Hoo!!! We get to play!! But wait,...
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Serious Case of Post-Holiday Bulge

Posted by Holly Nelson on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, In : Just Because I said....

I ate A LOT to get this big!!

(6 months/1 week)

New Year, New You!

Posted by Holly Nelson on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, In : Tip of the Week

Have you checked out my organizers, yet? I think everyone should have one! This completely helped me keep up with everything, in one place. There are special sections for each area of my life. I will be adding my new ideas everyday.

I have been thinking a little about this year. What I want to change, do different, not do at all. And , of course, I've been thinking about a new little guy coming in April! I have a lot to prepare. I need to get my meals frozen, birthdays planned ahead, garde...

Mexican Chicken Ring

Posted by Holly Nelson on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, In : Tummy Yummy Recipe of the Week

This is so yummy! You have to try this at least once!! I so wish I had the picture for this!!

Mexican Chicken Ring
2 tubes crescents
3 chicken breasts, cooked & chopped (or 2-3 C leftover chicken)
1 can green chilies
2 limes
1/2 C mayo (maybe a little more)
1 C mont. jack cheese, shredded
1/2 tomato, chopped
1 small can chopped black olives

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees. Move rack to second to the bottom shelf. Grease round pizza stone or cookie sheet.
2. Lay the crescents out in a circle. Fat part on ins...
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Area Cleaning Jan 4-8/ Kitchen & Dining

Posted by Holly Nelson on Monday, January 4, 2010, In : Area Cleaning for the Week

Happy New Year!

It's the new year, are you ready to get your life organized? Start organizing your home and home routines with Area Cleaning. Take 15-30 minutes out of your day to keep up in these areas. After doing these chores, you will soon see there will be NO need for spring cleaning!! Yeah, no more extra cleaning. Or even a weekend or two to devote to it!
Also, have your children help or do these chores, if they have a similar areas of their own.

15 minutes is all it takes to bless your ...

Monthly Menu Plan- Jan.3-31 (With getting Started Tip!!)

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 1, 2010, In : Monthly Meal Plan

I read about a few lady bloggers that planned on not grocery shopping for the month, except for essentials. They are going to plan meals from the freezer and pantry. If my oven had not stopped working a few months ago , I could have been able to freeze breakfast items and this would have been great for me. But I also do not have a few essentials to get started. But I am going to start planning meals for the MONTH. I'll tell you why. It is easier to stock up on a few items to use differently t...
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Grocery Cart $98.51

Posted by Holly Nelson on Friday, January 1, 2010, In : Grocery Cart Challenge Friday

Most of the stuff at Walmart and a few things fron Aldi is for the New Years party and New Years dinner at my in-laws.
I spent more than I usually would have.

Check out the next post, Weekly Menu Plan, to see what's for Dinner next week!

(bread not pictured)
Wal-Mart
goldfish $6.46
m&m's (3) $1.50
french bread $1.50
bread $1.88
bread $2.18
club crackers $1.94
club crackers $1.94
waffle cones $1.12
cereal $4.16
cereal $3.66
garlic $1.48
parmesean $3.38
cheese slices $2.98
cola $.78
cola $.78
cola $.78
TOTAL $ 39...
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About Me

Holly Nelson

Arlington

"Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a quiet and gentle sprirt, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 - "An excellent wife,who can find? Her worth is far above jewels." Proverbs 31:10 ~~ I am a stay-at-home-mom(SAHM) married to the love of my life, Jeff Nelson. We have six wonderful boys. Ryan(13), Seth(11), Ian(8), Noah(5), Luke(4), and Jack (born April 2010). We live in Tennessee on 4 acres. I grew up the first few years of my life on a dairy farm in Missouri and loved country living. I was saved at a young age by the grace of God and shed blood of Jesus during that time of simple country living. That part of my life is very dear to me. God taught me many things as a baby Christian that I can still think about today. Then we moved to Memphis when I was in the 5th grade. I learned to love the city life, too. It was a completely different way of life. My whole family still lives in Missouri, still does a little farming and simple country living. When Jeff, the kids, and I moved from the city to the country, I incorporated my city life with my country background. My mom laughs at me when I cut my grass on my John Deere tractor while drinking my Starbucks Mocha and wearing my fancy sunglasses. And when I am shampooing my carpet in my high-heeled black boots. I just love those boots! But I would love to share about how I got to be the way I am today, The Victoriously Organized Woman! I used to work as a supervisor at bank for years. I had to dress up everyday. After the birth of our second child we decide I should be a SAHM. One of the best decision I've ever made. But I made a bad decision, too. I hardly ever dressed up anymore. I hardly ever wore make-up. After about a year I looked in the mirror and said, "OH MY! Jeff has to come home to this!?!" He is so wonderful he said he liked me that way, "natural". Well , I realized that I didn't. It made me feel bad about myself. I felt disorganized, tired and stressed and a little "rough" looking. I felt I just couldn't get it all done. At this time I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. I wasn't able to do certains things. Like mop the floor of my completely hardwood floor home that I was obsessed about keeping clean. The doctor told me I couldn't have salt, caffeine, or stress! "What?! Are you kidding!?" So , then I decided to change my routine,thought pattern, and cooking. I began to get up early, shower and dress, put on make up. Always being ready to leave whenever I needed to. I established routines that helped me eliminate extra cleaning and stresses. I was able to make more time for myself and make more time for my family. And the family had more time for each other. I made more time for God and others. This made me feel better about myself. I am so happy about how this changed my life I want to share it with everyone.